Qantas-Emirates tieup OK’d by N.Z.

WELLINGTON – New Zealand gave the green light Wednesday to an alliance between Qantas and Emirates.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said he had no objection to a deal, unveiled earlier this year, allowing the airlines to cooperate on passenger and cargo operations for an initial period of five years.

Brownlee said the linkup, which has already been approved by Australia’s competition watchdog, was likely to boost tourist numbers to Wellington and Queenstown.

The deal will see Qantas switch its hub for European flights from Singapore to Emirates’ Dubai base as it seeks to turn around its struggling international business.